When a careless doctor, hospital or nursing home, irresponsible dog owner, negligent driver, or defective product injures you, you may have several physical, emotional, and financial losses—all through no fault of your own. While you can’t turn back the clock and change what happened, you may be able to sue those responsible. By working with a Watertown personal injury lawyer on our team, you have the support of a legal advocate with vast experience to overcome the challenges you will face in court or during settlement negotiations.
At D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, we do things differently than other firms. With an in-house focus group and mock courtroom facility at our disposal, we have the unique ability to brainstorm solutions to your legal matters. Our number one priority is assisting you by understanding what harmed you, what a successful outcome looks like, and how we can help make you whole again.
When you’re hurt because of what someone else did—like texting and driving, not following medical standards of care, or letting a vicious dog run wild—you may be able to file a lawsuit against them with the help of a personal injury attorney in Watertown. While the type of wrong may have different legal requirements, you typically have to prove the responsible party was negligent. Many people use this term to describe a range of conduct in everyday life; however, it means something specific in legal contexts.
Under the law, a person or organization may be negligent if they are careless or acting unreasonably when they have a duty to conduct themselves in a safe manner—such as not putting up a wet floor sign—that then causes someone to slip and fall. Or for example, a business may be liable if an employee leaves trash scattered throughout the aisles, leading to a customer tripping, falling, and breaking their arm. Here are some examples of when you might be able to sue someone:
It’s important to note that the right to file a lawsuit survives a victim’s death, as explained in Connecticut General Statutes § 52-599. That means the executor of the deceased’s estate—usually named in a will—may bring or continue a claim even if your loved one dies. This is referred to as a wrongful death claim or a wrongful death lawsuit under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555.
After we determine that you have a right to sue, the next step is to file the court documents within a certain period of time—called the statute of limitations. The deadline varies depending on your unique circumstances, including the type of claim you have and against whom. For example, if you’re accusing the government of wrongdoing, you may have a lot less time to file suit than you would against others.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584, you may need to take legal action within two years after you realize you’re hurt because of someone else’s actions. Keep in mind that the laws around this can get pretty technical, so there may be an exception that would allow you to file suit even if you think the deadline already passed.
Getting the right legal help can make a big difference in the legal outcome when you’re hurt because of someone else’s negligence. With a trusted law firm at your side, you can devote your energy to getting better while handing over the complex legal process to your attorney’s capable hands.
Contact a Watertown personal injury lawyer at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to discuss your legal needs. We offer free, no-obligation consultations that are completely confidential and can be remote or in-person.
